School’s Out for … Flu Season?A new U.S. government study suggests closing schools during serious flu epidemics can help keep kids out of emergency rooms.The study looked at two Texas communities during the H1N1 epidemic of 2009, when one school closed for eight days and the other didn’t. The school that closed saw no increase in E.R. visits in children aged 6 to 18; however, the school that stayed open saw their flu-related E.R. visits more than double.

E.R. physician Dr. Travis Stork says that while theoretically, if children get flu vaccinations there’s no reason to shut down schools, there are flu strains that we have no immune response to that are not covered by the flu shot.

“I think I would rather be proactive and safe than sorry,” Dr. Travis says.

In the event your child does come down with the flu this season, be aware that many over-the-counter medications are not safe for kids under the age of six. Furthermore, many parents prefer using chest rubs to ease their child’s symptoms; however, some of the ingredients, such as petroleum jelly, may not be safe. Pediatrician Dr. Jim Sears shares an all-natural,homemade chest rub to ease your child’s symptoms.

Dr. Sears cautions that chest rubs of any type are not safe for children under the age of two, as it can worsen the child’s airway. He also recommends testing the mixture on a small area before spreading it on your child’s chest. While these are all-natural ingredients, do not ingest, as peppermint oil is not safe to eat.

Colic means a baby who cries more than three hours a day, three days a week for three weeks in a row. It affects as many as 25 percent of babies and starts a few weeks after birth, but should improve by three months.

Tips to Reduce Crying• Beach ball rolls: Drape your baby’s tummy over a large beach ball and gently roll in a circular motion. • Baby bends to reduce gas: Lay baby face-up on lap with legs toward you, head resting on your knees. Then, pump legs up and down in a bicycling motion. • Colic curl: Place baby’s head and back against your chest. Encircle your arms under his or her bottom, then curl your arms up. • A warm bath.• Magic mirror: Occupy your baby with his or her own reflection. • Baby-wearing: Carry your baby for several hours a day before he or she gets cranky.

Tried everything and just can’t seem to stop the crying or the ache in your tired arms? Try the MamaRoo, a baby swing that glides up and down and side to side.

• Hydrogen peroxide: Once opened, hydrogen peroxide only lasts for six months! Unopened, three years. • Disposable razors: Toss your razors after three shaves, as bacteria can develop and get into your blood stream through nicks and cuts. • Loofah: Since loofahs are perpetually damp, they can grow a great deal of bacteria. Be sure to toss your loofah every three to four weeks.• Rubbing alcohol: Once open, rubbing alcohol only lasts two years, three if unopened.

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